Cambodia Road Trip

Cambodia Road Trip

Cambodia, the sacred kingdom, is a country truly in touch with its ancient roots. This is the home of the once mighty Angkor Empire, which ruled over a vast area of land from its centre in Angkor Wat. One glance at the region's spectacular environment and you'll see why they chose Cambodia for their base. Terraced rice paddies ring gently around rolling hills, lush tropical forests are alive with the calls of hornbills and gibbons, and mile upon mile of fabulous untouched beaches skirt the beautiful Cambodian coast. Cambodia is a serene, welcoming land and immediately you'll feel at home in this fabulous, exciting country.

Explore the alluring and exotic Cambodia and discover its incredible combination of dramatic landscapes, stunning beaches, captivating cultural and historical heritage, and heart warming people. Hit the road and make a positive and rewarding contribution to the lives of underprivileged community members both young and old, whilst experiencing a unique culture and exploring ancient historical temples before finally relaxing to your heart’s content on beautiful white sand beaches; this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

This road trip allows you to visit the must see sights of this incredible country whilst contributing towards various social or medical programs, and working closely with a range of local NGOs and families. Throughout your adventure you will visit many famous Cambodian temples, including Angkor Wat, the largest Hindu temple complex in the world. You can explore the Anlong Veng District with its stunning mountain views, learn about Cambodia’s history and the dark days when the Pol Pot regime governed Cambodia, and see the opulent home of Ta Mok and the killing fields of Cheung Ek.

In addition to this you will visit a silk farm, amble through luscious rural rice paddies, explore the exquisite Royal Palace, experience the gorgeous beaches of Sihanoukville, and take a boat trip to see some of the well-known Cambodian floating villages! In addition to this you will enjoy an overnight stay at a temple where you will develop your understanding of Buddhism with the monks who live there. This is not to mention the city tours, market trips, snorkelling, fishing, trekking adventures and visits to the Ream National Park and the National Museum of Cultural and Archaeological History!

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

First leg – Culture Week in Siem Reap & Samraong

After arriving in Siem Reap you will spend the first couple of days settling in and adjusting to your new environment with the help of our friendly project coordinators, who will help you to explore this stunning city and its bustling markets. You will have cultural, language and hands on cooking lessons which will help you to feel as though you are truly a part of this unique community. With time to unwind with the local village community, and through getting the chance to absorb the day to day rural life (at its own relaxed pace), you will feel at home in no time!

You will then move to Samraong, a rural town with a slow and relaxed pace that is sure to leave a lasting impression on even the most seasoned travellers. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most magnificent temples in Cambodia where you will meet the monks where you will be able to ask questions and truly gain an insight into the Buddhist way of life.

With an overnight stay in a holy temple and in-depth dialogues on Buddhism delivered by local monks, you will not only get to observe but also join in with the daily routine at the temple through activities such as traditional chanting. You will also take an early morning barefoot walk through the villages, accompanying the monks along their daily practice.

Second leg – Village Experience Week

Get stuck in to one of our rewarding local volunteer projects, either social or farming based, depending on the season. During the rainy season volunteers can try ploughing, rice planting, dam building, grass cutting in the rice fields, or rice sowing and harvesting; an incredible insight into the self sufficient lifestyle of rural Cambodia!

You will soon realise that you have nurtured a close bond and have become a welcomed member of one particular family as you share meals with and assist them will their daily routine. You could help them to make chicken/duck huts, build fences, construct toilets, plant trees or repair damaged areas of their home and bathing spaces.

Third leg – Central Cambodia Tour

The third leg of this epic journey will give you the opportunity to explore the lost world of the Khmer Empire, the Angkor temple complex, including the Bayon, the Taprom Temple (which has been taken over by the jungle), Angkor Wat, and Angkor Thom.

There will be a visit to a scarf-making silk farm followed by a relaxing boat trip on which you shall see some incredible floating villages. After this you will visit the Cheung Ek Killing Fields, notorious for its display of human skulls. Then on to visit the exquisite Royal Palace and the National Museum: Cambodia’s largest museum of cultural history and the country’s leading historical and archaeological museum. All of this is topped off by a trip to the beautiful beach of Sihanoukville.

Fourth leg – Beach Week

What other way to end this journey than by soaking up the golden rays of sunshine as you unwind, reflect upon and contemplate your experiences of the last three weeks. Relax, read, swim or snorkel in the sparkling ocean, and why not try some good old fashioned fishing!

Take pleasure in some sight-seeing of the surrounding islands as part of a boat trip with an outing to the Ream National Park, before departing on an incredible trekking adventure.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be collected upon arrival at Siem Reap by a friendly local staff member and transported to your scheduled location. Once you have had time to rest the local staff will introduce you to your project and the local area. Your in-country coordinator will be more than happy to help you settle in and acclimatise and you'll feel at home in no time in this friendly, vibrant country. Please aim to arrive on a Sunday.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Throughout your project you will be staying in a range of guesthouses and volunteer accommodation, which will be basic but of course clean and comfortable. If in a guest house you will be sharing a room with other volunteers and you will have basic bathroom and bedroom facilities. Internet access isn’t guaranteed in the accommodation, however internet cafes can be found locally. The accommodation at the volunteer centre is also in shared dormitory style accommodation. The centres tend to have modern amenities including TV, DVD player, internet access, bathroom, kitchen, dining room and living room.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

You will be provided with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Meat consumption isn’t allowed in the centres therefore all meals are vegetarian; however feel free to eat what you like when out and about. Food in Cambodia is delicious, varied and inexpensive. You can enjoy sampling traditional Cambodian cuisine; dishes such as delicately spiced curries, fresh local market produce, and delicious meat, fish and vegetables. Specialities to try are: Amok curry, based on coconut milk or a herb and spice paste known as kroeung, oriental squash, unusual vegetables such as winter melon, luffa and yardlong bean, or ngam nguv, a chicken soup flavoured with whole preserved lemons.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

In your free time you will be spoilt for choice with activities and wonderful sights and experiences. Visit the local towns with their complex and multifaceted architecture, and friendly, welcoming locals. Watch the captivating sight of a traditional Aspara dance, or visit one of the silk factories, where silk worms produce reams of delicate and rare fabric.
On a weekend break you could take a trip through the rice paddy fields, catching a glimpse of the age old farming techniques that are still in use, or visit the famous floating village of Chong Kneas, or the flooded forest of Kompong Phhlul, both on the extraordinary Tonle Sap Lake; there is an endless supply of fantastic activities to experience!

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.